Family Portrait

That’s me, posing as the mom, Hubster posing as the dad, and the kids. . . well, you get the picture.

Photo Hunt – Blue

San Francisco, March 2006

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Kids Meme

My good friend Barb has tagged me yet again. She knows I can’t resist any opportunity to talk about my kids. Fortunately for you, I only get to share 3 things about each of them. This is the best photo we have of all of them together, taken several years ago, and it’s one of my favorites.

Lindsey:
1) She’s 16 going on 21. She’s fashion-conscious and loves to shop. I miss having her as my wardrobe consultant.

2) She was the best baby ever. Never fussed, slept all night every night from the minute she was born, and would entertain herself for hours with the toys in her crib.

3) She’s smart, talented, funny, and she loves babies. She hopes to be a pediatrician someday.

Sarah:
1) She’s 14 and very athletic. She cares more about comfort than fashion. She’s fun to shop with because she’s easy to please.

2) She walked early, and was always so bouncy and bubbly. She loved to sing, and her giggle was contagious.

3) She’s smart, talented, funny, and loves animals. She plans to be a veterinarian.

Emily:
1) Emily is 13 and very self-conscious. She doesn’t like to be noticed.

2) She’s extremely intelligent and very talented. She has an amazing singing voice.

3) She’s got a great sense of humor and loves to pick on her little brother.

Andrew:
1) Andrew is 11 and is all boy. He’s cute and sweet, though not terribly affectionate.

2) He likes to imagine blowing things up. He loves computer games and sci-fi movies.

3) He’s extremely intelligent and very funny. He enjoys tormenting his big sister.

They’re an eclectic bunch, not well-blended, but we’re working on that.

Bloggy Tour of Homes

Welcome! So glad you could stop by. Our house was built in the ’60’s and was one of the first in the neighborhood. It needs a bit of a makeover, but it’s home. Come on in!

Here’s my little corner of the world, where the bloggy magic happens. Can you see whose blog I’m visiting? It’s BooMama, blogger extraordinaire! She’s the organizer of this tour, so be sure you drop by her place when you leave here.

This room is known as the living room, but apparently the plant hanging from the ceiling didn’t get the memo. It was green when I got it. Good thing my kids aren’t houseplants!

Here we are, back in the kitchen. It’s small, but it’s clean, thanks to the hubster. Can I get you anything? Coffee, perhaps?

Oh, that’s right. You’ve got places to go and people to see. Well, I enjoyed your visit. Hope you did, too. Y’all come back now, y’hear?

South Fork River Photos

These were taken at one of our local state parks. No idea who the child is, but I love this shot.

I’m giving credit to my beloved for both photos because we don’t remember which of us actually took them. What matters more is
1) that we were together and 2) that I do share my toys.

Just for Clicks

The snapshots here, here, and here were taken in March of this year on our honeymoon/anniversary/business trip to San Francisco using my old Kodak VR35. We were very impressed with the photos, and Carl was sure the talent was mine, so he encouraged me to get a new (more expensive) camera and take up photography.

I loved the idea, especially since we both enjoy the outdoors. He loves flyfishing, and since I’d rather watch anyway, I can still accompany him and practice my new “hobby” as well.

I am less inclined to believe that I have any real talent behind a camera, because I prefer scenic photography, and it is our Father who created all things magnificent. I’m just here to appreciate the wonder of it all.

I suggested that Carl write poems to accompany the photos, but I think I’m enjoying more searching for scriptures to go along with them. I would love your input in this endeavor. If you have any suggestions for a scripture match to any of the photos posted, please leave a comment in the “responses” section of the respective post. Even if I’ve already selected a passage, you may have an even better suggestion. If so, I’d love to hear it.

This is not a contest, as I have no Fabulous Prizes to offer, unless my appreciation of your opinion counts for something. I do hope you’ll play along just for clicks.

Move Over, Olan Mills

March 26, 2006

Lindsey (16), Sarah (14), and me, the brilliant idea thinker upper

Location: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

The idea was to take the girls to a lovely setting to get some really great shots of them together. For some reason, they decided against smiling and opted for the “whose dumb idea was this in the first place?” look. Yep. That’s my girls.

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19: 1-3

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Thursday Thirteen – Reasons I Love My Husband

Carl and I met online about 6 months before we decided to meet in person. On our first date, he felt something inside his sweater and turned up the front hem to see what it was. When I saw the safety pin, I said the first thing that popped into my head: Aww, did you lose your lunch money? The sound of his laughter was music to my ears. A year and half later, on March 10, 2004, we exchanged wedding vows at the Old Mill in North Litle Rock, Arkansas.

It’s funny that this would be the topic of today’s 13. Just yesterday, when I told him I love him, he asked, “Why?” and I said, “There is no Y in love, dear.” To be completely honest, I love him for every reason and for no reason at all. How do you narrow that down? I’ll give it a try.

1) He is extremely intelligent, but he doesn’t make me feel stupid. He challenges me to think for myself and values my opinion.

2) He is a funny, funny man, and I can make him laugh. Love that.

3) He is a handyman. He can fix just about anything and loves working with his hands. Anyone who calls on him for help knows that he will not turn them down, and he will not accept payment for odd jobs they ask him to do.

4) He is muli-talented. Art, poetry, music – his creativity astounds me. He has played the guitar professionally, both in studio and with a band. He knows every Don Williams song, and I love it when he plays and sings for me. He’s also very modest and won’t admit to being good, but trust me. He’s good.

5) He is romantic. Playing guitar and singing to me? Writing poetry for me? Most romantic man I’ve ever met. He enjoys holding hands and walking in the park, candlelight dinners, picnics, and quiet evenings at home.

6) He is thoughtful. He’s always asking “is there anything I can do for you?” He is affectionate. Hugs and kisses me all the time, touches me when he walks by.

7) He is generous to a fault. He cares nothing about material things and would rather give than receive.

8) He loves me like no other. He knows my faults and doesn’t pretend to think I’m perfect. He treats me with respect, opens the car door for me, rubs my feet, massages my shoulders. He thinks I’m beautiful and tells me so. He doesn’t expect me to do things for him that he can do for himself. He appreciates everything I do for him. I am his equal, not his servant.

9) He is a family man. He loves his kids and has a wonderful relationship with their mother. He cares very much for my kids, would do anything for them, and is waiting for them to give him a chance. He does not tolerate disrespect of their mother (or other mother) from any of the kids. Activities are kid-centered, not dad-centered.

10) He’s handsome. Rugged, but not rough. Strong, but not muscle-bound. My masculine geek (that makes him laugh).

11) He is committed. He doesn’t scope out other women. He would never set foot in a “gentleman’s club” and finds Hooters offensive. He likes my mind and my company, not just my looks (good thing, too, since they’re starting to fade.) He rarely leaves home without me.

12) He is confident. Not the least bit jealous. Not a hint of insecurity. He does not doubt my love for him, and he trusts me completely. We don’t keep secrets from each other. He doesn’t judge or accuse.

13) He accepts my family and treats my parents with respect.

For all these reasons and more, I love this man who calls me his wife.